Game Details:
Matchup: Mavericks vs Clippers
Date & Time: Saturday, April 5, 2025 | 10:30 PM ET
Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Betting Line: Clippers -2.5 | Over/Under: 226.5

Key Storylines

Playoff Seeding Implications

This late-season Western Conference matchup could have major playoff seeding implications. The Mavericks and Clippers are both battling for positioning in a tight race, with only a handful of games separating the 4th and 7th seeds. A win tonight could make a huge difference come playoff time.

Season Series

The Clippers lead the season series 2-1, winning the most recent meeting 112-107 in Dallas. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George combined for 59 points in that game, dismantling the Mavericks down the stretch. Tonight is the final matchup of the regular season, giving Dallas a shot at revenge and a chance to even the series.

Dallas Looking to Rebound

Dallas is coming off a disappointing 115-103 loss to Golden State on Wednesday, where Luka Dončić was held to 24 points on 9-of-22 shooting. He’ll need to bounce back for the Mavericks to have a shot, especially against a Clippers team ranked top 5 in defensive rating.

Clippers Finding Form

The Clippers enter this game on a three-game win streak, thanks to strong showings from Russell Westbrook off the bench and efficient shooting from their stars. With the roster mostly healthy, the Clippers are peaking at the right time.

Injury Report

Mavericks:
Questionable: Kyrie Irving (ankle), Derrick Jones Jr. (hip)
Out: Maxi Kleber (shoulder)

Clippers:
Out: Norman Powell (knee)
Questionable: Terance Mann (back tightness)

Betting Trends

Against the Spread (ATS):
Mavericks: 33-38 ATS this season
Clippers: 35-36 ATS this season

Over/Under Trends:
The total has gone over in 5 of the last 7 Mavericks games
The total has gone under in 4 of the last 6 Clippers games
Clippers are 22-15 at home this season

Player Prop to Watch

Luka Dončić – Points Total: 30.5
Dončić has averaged 33.2 PPG over his last 10 games. With Irving questionable, expect increased usage, making the over on his points prop worth a look.

Kawhi Leonard – Steals Total: 1.5
Leonard has recorded at least two steals in each of his last four games. Against a turnover-prone Mavericks backcourt, he could benefit again.

Prediction & Best Bets

Spread: Clippers -2.5 → The Clippers are rolling at home and slightly healthier.
Total: Over 226.5 → With both team offenses capable of catching fire, the over looks appealing.
Player Prop: Luka Dončić Over 30.5 points → Volume usage with potential Irving absence.

The Clippers have the defensive edge and home-court advantage, but if Luka heats up, the Mavericks can certainly make it a game. Still, Los Angeles’ depth and balanced attack make them the safer bet.

Final Score Prediction: Clippers 117, Mavericks 111